Dubai Police warn online shoppers and residents seeking digital or everyday services about scam risks.
A social media advertisement can look like a legitimate business, while a fraudulent website may closely resemble an official platform. Even scam calls can sound convincing and professional.
Behind these seemingly genuine offers, however, could be attempts to steal money, banking information or personal data.
Dubai Police have warned that online fraud is becoming an increasing concern, with reports rising as scammers increasingly use digital platforms to target people across different sections of society.
The scams are not confined to any particular age group. Online shoppers, people seeking digital services and residents looking for everyday services can all become potential targets.
A slight difference can be enough
Hamad Obaid Al Suwaidi, Director of the Anti-Fraud Center at Dubai Police, told Khaleej Times that fraudsters are increasingly using social media advertisements and fake websites to deceive victims.
“Fraudsters use advertisements on social media and copy websites exactly like the original websites, with only a slight difference,” he said.
That difference could be as small as a single changed letter in a web address, a slightly altered domain name or another detail that can easily go unnoticed when someone is rushing to complete a transaction.
Police said one of the most common mistakes victims make is failing to verify beneficiary details or confirm that a website is legitimate. Residents are advised not to click on links simply because they arrive in messages or appear in online advertisements. Instead, they should check the source of the link and verify the identity of the individual or organisation behind it.
This is especially important when a link directs users to a payment page or requests banking or personal information.
Don’t click before checking
Residents should avoid opening links simply because they are included in messages or online advertisements.
Before clicking, users should verify the source of the link and confirm the identity of the person or organisation that sent it.
Extra caution is needed when links lead to payment pages or request sensitive banking or personal information.
AI adds another layer to the deception
Advances in technology are also changing how online fraud is carried out.
Artificial intelligence, along with convincing fake calls and communications, can make scams appear increasingly authentic, making it harder for victims to distinguish fraudsters from legitimate individuals or organisations.
“Technology has contributed significantly, especially for people who do not have enough knowledge or experience, making it easier for them to fall into the trap of fraud,” Al Suwaidi said.
The warning highlights the growing importance of digital awareness as scammers become more sophisticated in creating convincing content and communications.
What should victims do?
For anyone who has already fallen victim to fraud, police stressed that acting quickly is crucial.
Victims should secure or close the affected account and report the incident immediately through the e-Crime platform, Dubai Police’s SPS service or at a police station.
“The victim should close their account and submit a complaint through e-Crime, SPS or at a police station as soon as possible so that the police can take action,” Al Suwaidi said.
Police urged victims not to delay reporting the incident for several days.
Public awareness remains key
Dubai Police continue to combat online fraud by blocking fraudulent websites and fake social media accounts, alongside awareness campaigns and public warnings.
Residents also have an important role to play by reporting suspicious websites and fake social media accounts they encounter.
Al Suwaidi urged the public not to trust a link simply because it looks professional, and to verify beneficiary details before transferring money or sharing personal or banking information. He said taking a few extra seconds to check could help prevent costly mistakes.
